Steven Universe Review 3×09: “Too Short To Ride”

And now, our favorite little Dorito is also Magneto.

“Too Short To Ride” is a little trite for the first episode of the Summer of Steven to focus primarily on Gems, even if we’ve returned to the mundanity of the first season.

But as Steven Universe does, it builds a character study and a side character showcase – and actually a full-blown Twitter account – around new information that a show might typically spend ten seconds on.

But while “Too Short To Ride” is a pretty good entry in the neverending parade of “_____ gets in touch with their powers” episodes, it’s honestly far more fun, although perhaps less plot relevant, that she has a tablet, which I’ll just go ahead and call an iPad even if the show won’t.

So after she gains access to the world wide web, Peridot’s insecurities come to the surface.

Seeing that tweet, I think anyone would be able to tell exactly what was on Peridot’s mind.

The episode is actually pretty unremarkable beyond a few gentle but brilliant touches, like tall Amethysts and Mr. Smiley’s sleepless turmoil, and it’s actually a little weird that everyone instantly surmises that Peridot can only manipulate metal rather than having broader telekinetic powers. But it’s a (presumably) essential detour bolstered by an A+ Twitter account.

Score: 7/10